45 people seeking treatment after gas exposure at St. John's arena

Asuspected gas leak at a St. John's hockey arena Friday evening prompted Newfoundland and Labrador's largest health authority to implement a "code orange" alert at the Health Sciences Centre.

A code orange prepares hospital staff in the event of a disaster or other serious incident. The alert included both the adult hospital and the Janeway children's hospital.

Eastern Health said that 45 people hadsought treatment in hospital as of 9:45 p.m., but did not go into detail as to the extent of any illness.

Eastern Health is advising anyone who may have been in the arena Fridayto seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, including nausea, headaches, dizziness, slowed thinking, drowsiness, loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest.

The possible exposure occurred atBusseyArena on Bonaventure Avenue.

While Eastern Health's statement underscored possible carbon monoxide exposure, the arena's office told CBC News that propane levels were slightly higher than usual, and that the rink closed down as a precaution.

Carbon monoxide poisoning carries a long-term health risk if left untreated. At low levels, exposure symptoms can be confused with the flu or food poisoning, Eastern Health stated.

Eastern Health said staff were in place at the Health Sciences Centre and were "prepared to respond to an increase in emergency roomvisits as a result of this situation."

CBC News did not observe any emergency vehicles outside the arena around 8 p.m. Friday.

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